Urban Studies Films

Aimee’s Crossing

Directed by: Tod Lending

In this very intimate, honest and provocative character study, the story of juvenile offender Aimee Meyers unfolds over four years as she struggles to overcome her addictions and destructive behavior.

"AN ANGEL IN THE VILLAGE” deftly weaves Yeh’s Africa sojourn together with the story of her evolution from tradition-bound artist to social change visionary.”
—Eils Lotozo, Philadelphia Weekly

AN ANGEL IN THE VILLAGE is an inspiring documentary which traces the 20-year journey of Lily Yeh, a Chinese-born activist artist who uses art to create social change among residents of inner-city Philadelphia and Korogocho, Kenya. 

Between Earth & Sky

Directed by: Kalyanee Mam & David Mendez
Produced by: Kalyanee Mam

Torn from home and country and set adrift in a foreign world, three young Iraqi refugees struggle to find hope as they yearn for a lost past and face a desperate and uncertain future. Unique in its storytelling, Between Earth & Sky takes you into a world within – a world of lost dreams, quiet beauty and gentle strength.

LICENSE	PRICE
University and College	$250
High School, Community Libraries & Non Profits	$100
Home Viewing	$20

The Heart Broken in Half

The "HEART BROKEN IN HALF" reminded me of Spike Lee's best work; as a documentary it taught me about street life in today's Chicago—and by analogy about many of America's inner-cities."
- Richard Schechner, Professor of Performance Studies, New York University

Gangs are society's ultimate devil figure. They symbolize transgression and embody the deepest fears of middle class citizens. Few filmmakers have dared or been able to get behind the headlines to confront the human reality and complexity of street gangs in urban America. Challenging stereotypes, this documentary gives voice to the street youths and reveals their underground culture. Here is an intricate web of symbols and passions, territory and brotherhood, honor and all to often, death.

Every Child Is Born A Poet

"The deeply felt resonance of "EVERY CHILD IS BORN A POET" derives from Piri Thomas' unique ability to connect with his own interior life of feelings, and then to verbalize them through his art to the rest of the world."
– Jon Gartenberg

A fiery mix of documentary, drama, & spoken-word poetry, EVERY CHILD IS BORN A POET explores the life and work of Piri Thomas, the Afro-Cuban-Puerto Rican author of the classic autobiographical novel Down These Mean Streets. The film traces Thomas’ path from childhood to manhood in New York City’s Spanish Harlem, El Barrio, from the 1930's through the 1960’s – from home life during the Great Depression, to membership in barrio youth gangs, from a life of crime through six years spent in prison to his emergence as a writer.

Special Educational 16 Page Study Guide Included

Freedom on the Fence

Directed by: Glenn Holsten and Andrea Marks
Produced by: Andrea Marks

Freedom on the Fence details the evolution of Polish poster art by revealing the unique role posters played in the social, political and cultural life of Poland, from WWII through the fall of Communism. The 40 min. documentary brings this story to life through interviews with leading Polish poster artists, and commentaries from both American and Polish scholars on the significance of the Polish poster as a cultural icon.

LICENSE	PRICE
University and College	$250
High School, Community Libraries & Non Profits	$99.95
Home Viewing	$24.95

Academy Award-nominated LEGACY is the unflinching chronicle of one family’s triumphant journey out of poverty and despair. Touchingly narrated by Nickcole Collins, a teenage girl wise beyond her years, the film follows the Collins family over five years as they slowly pull themselves out of the haze of poverty, drug addiction, and violence that plagues their public housing project in Chicago.

The Power of the Powerless

Directed by: Cory Taylor
Produced by: Cory Taylor

Czechoslovakia's "Velvet Revolution" is one of the most stirring episodes of people-power in recent history. Inspired by the courageous struggle of a handful of dissidents, and sparked by idealistic students demonstrating in the streets of Prague, Czechs and Slovaks brought an end to forty years of communist tyranny through bloodless revolution in 1989. The documentary features rare and never-before-seen interviews with key figures of the Velvet Revolution including Václav Havel.  The Power of the Powerless documents this monumental achievement and asks why Czech youth are not being taught about their own history.

LICENSE	PRICE
University and College	$249.95
High School, Community Libraries & Non Profits	$79.95
This is a Special Edition DVD with a CD-ROM teacher support materials, commemorative color booklet, 40 minutes of extras and a 60 minute version. Click here for details.

OMAR & PETE is a compelling and highly personal film that examines the social, economic, and personal barriers two ex-offenders face as they try to reintegrate into their communities and families. Following the two long-time friends for several years after what they hope will be their final prison release, the film reveals two divergent paths as one wrestles with addiction and fear while the other finds success and freedom through helping others.

Saudade Do Futuro

Directed by: Marie-Clemence & Cesar Paes
Produced by: Marie-Clemence & Cesar Paes

Saudade Do Futuro features the city of Sãu Paulo and its street poets. To the rhythm and rhymes of musical improvised poetry, journalist or simple maid, art-gallery director or cab driver, the immigrants from the Northeast tell us the beat of the megalopolis.

LICENSE	PRICE
University and College	$250
High School, Community Libraries & Non Profits	$99